Determining Hanger Spacing for Replacement Leaf Springs on Trailer

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Question:

Hi, I am replacing broken leaf springs on and old trailer and I’m having a hard time finding the same size. They are 22 1/4” long . I am wondering if there is something else I should be using someone possible setup the trailer wrongThat being said , why do you want the hanger spacing slightly bigger than the spring when everything I see shows the spring hanging slightly past the rear hanger. That doesn’t make sense to me. Seems like it should be the other way around. Could you please clarify?

asked by: Dale

0

Expert Reply:

The closest leaf spring set we have available to the 22-1/4 inch length you mentioned is the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # SP-113275. This double-eye leaf spring features a length of 23-1/2 inches from the center of the spring eye to the center of the other spring eye. I recommend making sure you are measuring your existing leaf spring from the center of one eye to the center of the other. This particular set is designed for 2,000 pound axles, so you will want to also make sure any new springs are rated appropriately. The closest leaf spring we have with a shorter length is the 3-Leaf # e84SR, which measures 20-3/8 inches long.

If your current springs do indeed have a 22-1/4 inch long eye to eye measurement, then you may need to remove and weld on new hangers to install a different length spring.

Generally speaking, on a single axle trailer, the hanger spacing will actually be about 1/2 inch shorter than the spring length. So for the above mentioned 23-1/2 inch long springs, the hangers will be spaced apart about 23 inches on center.

I have included a helpful article on trailer suspension that you might also find helpful, along with link that will take you directly to our available selection of leaf springs and hangers that you can look through.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

Tom H.

2/28/2020

I have a 1991 magic Loaded Tandem boat trailer for up to 22 boat im gonna replace all 4 springs my springs seems to be 20 eye to eye do yall think i can use your 20 3/8 spring thanks

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Chris R.

2/28/2020

Our 20-3/8" long leaf springs like the 2,000 pound # e84SR mentioned above are definitely the closest in size to the 20" measurement you took on the existing springs. These will probably work just fine, but I am a little concerned about getting new leaf springs that are larger than the current units (even if just by a little bit) because older springs will have stretched out over time. This means if the existing springs on your trailer are really old, most likely you would actually need a new set that measures shorter than their current length. Did you measure the springs with the trailer jacked up (or with the springs fully removed)?

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Answer 1

Hey Johnathan, To get a smaller hub you'd have to go down in capacity, which likely would not fit your axle's spindle. Is there a reason you're needing a smaller hub?

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Answer 2

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 3

Trailer axles will often have some kind of labeling on them to indicate their weight capacity, sometimes a sticker but sometimes a metal plate too. If very old that axle sticker or plate could be long gone. The 1-1/2-inch square axle we offer, CE…

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Answer 4

The torque spec for a 5/16" diameter u-bolt is 65 ft lbs. If you do not already have a torque wrench we have the Powerbuilt Dual Drive Torque Wrench part #ALL944001 which contains both a 3/8" and 1/2" drive.

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Answer 5

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 6

Equalizers for trailer suspension have different shapes, lengths, and heights to accommodate different axle spacing, spring lengths, and deck heights. Going to an equalizer that is not the same length and height as the original will require replacing…

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Answer 7

I can tell you how to determine the correct leaf spring replacement, though those numbers don't have anything to do with size. They are probably a serial number or some other type of manufacturer ID but nothing of consequence. Instead, the best…

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Answer 8

When using the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles part #e27SR with the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs part #APS4 you will need to space the leaf spring hangers 25-3/4" apart.

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Answer 9

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 10

There are no U-bolts to attach the slipper part, I recommend replacing your slipper springs with double eye springs. In order to do this you need to know the weight rating of your axle as well as the length from center eye to center eye so you can…

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Answer 11

Hello Greg. Generally, yes, shackles are required for any single axle utility trailer. The diagram below will show you the components of a typical single axle setup. You will have shackles on the rear hangers only. This is because as your axle hits…

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Answer 12

Trailer manufacturers don't usually keep a record of parts like these that they install at the factory, so I cannot be sure as to the exact length of the shackle strap that would have come originally on your trailer. With this in mind, a 3-1/8…

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